Charalambos Vourliotis, Head of the Hellenic Anti-Money Laundering Authority and former Deputy Prosecutor of the Supreme Court, has initiated the freezing of bank accounts and assets belonging to nightclub owners in the Peloponnese. These businessmen were recipients of substantial funds from two high-ranking priests in the hierarchy of the Catholic Church of Greece.
The findings of the Authority have been forwarded to the prosecuting authorities of the Catholic Church of Greece, with a focus on investigating potential felonies, including embezzlement by the two priests and money laundering by the businessmen involved. Notably, one of the nightclub owners had a history of involvement in serious criminal activities.
The Vatican headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church has also been informed of Vourliotis’ actions.
The audit, conducted by the Hellenic Anti-Money Laundering Authority, revealed that approximately €3 million was diverted from the Catholic Church’s funds and invested in nightclubs. This illicit activity reportedly began eight years ago.
The Authority was first alerted by banks reporting “suspicious” large-sum transactions. A thorough investigation was launched to trace the flow of funds and identify the individuals involved.
The investigation uncovered strong indications of serious criminal offenses, such as embezzlement and money laundering. The identities of the priests and nightclub businessmen involved were confirmed after it was determined that the funds, amounting to €3 million, had been embezzled from the Church’s accounts.
The most recent suspicious transaction, involving €50,000, was detected just days ago.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
